Fredrick and Reeba who minister in India came to visit the church yesterday. Fredrick used to attend our church when he was a student at Mattersey Bible College and therefore was probably no stranger to the birthday box (his birthday was last Friday):
Reeba shared about the Ladies’ Tailoring Programme which she has started (now in 2 locations.) This works on the simple principle that by giving women sewing skills rather than just food or money, they are empowered to be able to earn their own livings. The course lasts 6 months and has been attended by 150 women from different faiths, with 4 graduation ceremonies so far. Many have come to faith through the gospel message given during the course and have seen answers to prayer. Reeba shared how one woman was always weeping at the weekly prayer meeting and when asked why told her that she had lost her son (aged 7) over 18 months previously and he had not been seen since. After prayer, the boy was found in exactly the same street where he was last seen! Another testimony was from a woman whose 9 year old son had a brain tumour that doctors had said was inoperable. After prayer, however, they operated and the procedure was a complete success!
At the end of her talk, Reeba presented leaders with a plaque to commemorate the church’s ongoing investment in this project:
Each sewing machine (given to each woman on her graduation) costs £100 and Reeba is hoping to start another programme in a nearby town. A suitable property has been identified, but the cost of £5,000 for this property (reduced from £30,000) has yet to be met. God is good and will surely release the funds for this property as Fredrick and Reeba continue to minister to so many women in faith and compassion.